GBN - Decoding the Details

Sarah: 00:00

Hey, everyone, and welcome back. Today, we're taking a deep dive into the world of autonomous mowers.

Michael: 00:05

Robot lawn mowers.

Sarah: 00:06

Yeah. You know those, futuristic little helpers that promise to keep your lawn perfectly perfectly

Michael: 00:13

manicured. Without you having to lift a finger.

Sarah: 00:14

Exactly. Now you might be thinking about joining this whole robot lawn care revolution yourself.

Michael: 00:19

Or maybe you're just curious about the tech.

Sarah: 00:21

Right. Either way, get ready for some surprises because it turns out

Michael: 00:26

These little robots.

Sarah: 00:27

Yeah. These little robots have a wilder history than you might think.

Michael: 00:29

Oh, it's true. Oh. The idea of a robot lawnmower

Sarah: 00:33

Okay.

Michael: 00:33

Actually goes all the way back to the 19 forties

Sarah: 00:35

Yeah. Oh, really?

Michael: 00:36

Long before computers and GPS as we know them. Yeah. But those early prototypes were pretty basic.

Sarah: 00:43

I bet.

Michael: 00:44

Fast forward to the 19 nineties.

Sarah: 00:46

Okay.

Michael: 00:46

Companies like Husqvarna were among the first to bring commercially available robot mowers to market.

Sarah: 00:52

So robot Mars in the nineties, that's pretty ahead of its time.

Michael: 00:55

It was.

Sarah: 00:55

But I imagine those early models weren't quite the seamless experience we see today.

Michael: 01:00

You're right. Those early adopters faced some serious challenges. Like what? Imagine spending hours burying perimeter wires

Sarah: 01:09

Oh, yeah.

Michael: 01:10

Around your entire yard just to get the thing working.

Sarah: 01:13

Oh, man.

Michael: 01:14

And even then, those first gen mowers moved in random patterns.

Sarah: 01:19

Really?

Michael: 01:19

Which wasn't very efficient. No. And if a wire broke, troubleshooting was a nightmare.

Sarah: 01:24

That does not sound like the plug and play experience

Michael: 01:27

you

Sarah: 01:27

might hope for. So what changed? What makes today's robot mowers so different?

Michael: 01:33

Well, several game changing technologies have emerged.

Sarah: 01:35

Okay.

Michael: 01:36

One of the biggest is the use of RTK GPS systems.

Sarah: 01:40

RTK. Yes. What's that stand for?

Michael: 01:42

Real time kinematic. Okay. Brands like Segway's Nobmo and the Mamotion Luba use this technology, which is, like, a super accurate

Sarah: 01:50

Okay.

Michael: 01:50

Satellite navigation system for your mower. Wow. It allows the mower to navigate with centimeter precision

Sarah: 01:56

Wow.

Michael: 01:56

Ditching those old perimeter wires completely.

Sarah: 01:58

No more digging trenches. I'm already sold.

Michael: 01:59

Right.

Sarah: 02:00

But setting up that base station for the GPS seems pretty crucial. What if you have a lot of trees in your yard?

Michael: 02:06

That's a good point. Yeah. The base station does need a clear view of the sky. Okay. Receive those GPS signals

Sarah: 02:12

Alright.

Michael: 02:13

Which can be tricky in yards with lots of tall trees or buildings.

Sarah: 02:16

I bet.

Michael: 02:17

Placement is key. Yeah. And sometimes you might need to get creative

Sarah: 02:20

Okay.

Michael: 02:21

To find that perfect spot.

Sarah: 02:23

So there's still a bit of a setup dance involved.

Michael: 02:25

A little bit.

Sarah: 02:26

What other advancements have made these mowers easier to use?

Michael: 02:30

Another major improvement is the use of computer vision Okay. And sensors.

Sarah: 02:34

So, like, cameras?

Michael: 02:36

Yes. Mowers like the Husqvarna Automower 435 x AWD

Sarah: 02:40

Okay.

Michael: 02:41

Use cameras, lidar.

Sarah: 02:43

Lidar.

Michael: 02:44

Yeah. It stands for light detection and ranging.

Sarah: 02:46

Okay.

Michael: 02:46

And it acts like radar.

Sarah: 02:48

Got it.

Michael: 02:49

But uses lasers to create a 3 d map

Sarah: 02:51

Okay.

Michael: 02:51

And proximity sensors to safely navigate obstacles.

Sarah: 02:54

So they can avoid those collisions with pets furniture

Michael: 02:57

Yeah.

Sarah: 02:57

Or even my prize winning rose bushes?

Michael: 03:00

Exactly.

Sarah: 03:01

That definitely makes me feel better about letting a robot loose in my yard.

Michael: 03:04

Yeah. I think so.

Sarah: 03:05

I also read that apps now play a big role in setup.

Michael: 03:09

They do.

Sarah: 03:09

What's that all about?

Michael: 03:10

Apps have become central to the setup process. Some mowers like the MaMotion Luba

Sarah: 03:16

Okay.

Michael: 03:17

Actually have you walk the mower around your yard

Sarah: 03:19

You walk the mower Yeah. What?

Michael: 03:22

While using the app to create a digital map.

Sarah: 03:25

Wait. You walk the mower. That sounds a little strange.

Michael: 03:27

Yeah.

Sarah: 03:28

But I guess it's easier than messing with wires.

Michael: 03:31

It is.

Sarah: 03:32

Speaking of power, are we still tethered to outlets with these things?

Michael: 03:36

Not necessarily. Really? Some brands are going wireless

Sarah: 03:40

Oh, wow.

Michael: 03:40

With solar powered base stations. Wow. Mamotion, for example

Sarah: 03:44

Okay.

Michael: 03:44

Offers a solar accessory for their RTK antenna

Sarah: 03:48

Okay.

Michael: 03:48

Giving you more flexibility in terms of placement Yeah. Since you don't need to be near an outlet.

Sarah: 03:53

Okay. So we've gone from digging trenches for wires to walking our mowers, and now we're talking solar power.

Michael: 04:00

Yeah.

Sarah: 04:00

It sounds like things have come a long way.

Michael: 04:01

A long way.

Sarah: 04:02

But what's next? What does the future hold for these autonomous lawn tear marvels? I'm ready for some serious sci fi prediction.

Michael: 04:09

Okay. Well, I can't promise flying robot gardeners just yet.

Sarah: 04:12

Okay.

Michael: 04:13

But the future of autonomous mowers is definitely exciting. Okay. K. One area that's ripe for innovation is artificial intelligence. AI.

Michael: 04:22

Yeah. Imagine mowers that can adapt to different grass types

Sarah: 04:25

Oh, wow.

Michael: 04:26

Weather conditions, and even seasonal changes all on their own.

Sarah: 04:30

That would be amazing. Oh. No more guessing about the right cutting height or schedule.

Michael: 04:35

Right.

Sarah: 04:35

What else is on the horizon?

Michael: 04:37

Integration with smart homes is another big area of potential.

Sarah: 04:40

Okay.

Michael: 04:41

Imagine your mower syncing with your sprinkler system

Sarah: 04:44

Okay.

Michael: 04:44

To optimize watering schedules Right. Based on real time weather data and your lawn specific needs. Oh. We could be looking at truly automated yards.

Sarah: 04:53

Now that's a future I can get behind. Okay. Let's shift gears a bit and talk about the practicalities of owning one of these mowers.

Michael: 04:59

Okay.

Sarah: 05:00

You've painted a pretty futuristic picture.

Michael: 05:02

I have.

Sarah: 05:03

But what about the everyday realities? What are the pros and cons for someone like me who's actually considering taking the plunge?

Michael: 05:10

Absolutely. Let's get down to the nuts and bolts.

Sarah: 05:13

Okay.

Michael: 05:13

On the plus side, ease of use is a major win.

Sarah: 05:16

Okay.

Michael: 05:17

No more back breaking digging trenches for wires.

Sarah: 05:20

Right.

Michael: 05:20

And the app based mapping and scheduling seem pretty straightforward.

Sarah: 05:24

Yeah. And what about customization? Can you really fine tune things like cutting height and schedules?

Michael: 05:29

Absolutely. Oh, good. You can use the app to define specific zones you want them more to focus on.

Sarah: 05:35

Okay.

Michael: 05:35

Set up no go areas Mhmm. To protect delicate landscaping

Sarah: 05:39

Right.

Michael: 05:40

And even adjust the cutting height for different areas of your yard. Wow. And let's not forget about safety.

Sarah: 05:45

Oh, yeah. That's important.

Michael: 05:46

Those auto stop features and advanced obstacle detection systems really provide peace of mind.

Sarah: 05:52

Okay. All of that sounds great.

Michael: 05:53

It does.

Sarah: 05:54

But it can't all be sunshine and roses. Right? What are some potential downsides or challenges someone might run into?

Michael: 06:01

You're right. There are still some hurdles. Gotcha. Finding the optimal location for that base station, especially in yards with lots of trees can be tricky.

Sarah: 06:09

I bet. Yeah.

Michael: 06:10

And while RTK GPS is incredibly accurate Yeah. It can occasionally experience calibration issues

Sarah: 06:18

Mhmm.

Michael: 06:18

In areas with poor satellite visibility.

Sarah: 06:21

So those perfect GPS guided stripes might not always be guaranteed.

Michael: 06:26

Right.

Sarah: 06:26

What about the learning curve with the apps?

Michael: 06:29

Oh, yeah. Yeah.

Sarah: 06:29

Some of those tech interfaces can be a bit overwhelming.

Michael: 06:32

That's true. Yay. Some users find the mapping and boundary editing features in certain apps to be a bit clunky.

Sarah: 06:39

I can imagine that.

Michael: 06:40

And while most of the basic functions are user friendly

Sarah: 06:43

Okay.

Michael: 06:44

Some of the more advanced features might take a little time to master.

Sarah: 06:48

Speaking of things that take time, let's talk about maintenance.

Michael: 06:51

Okay.

Sarah: 06:51

Are we talking oil changes and spark plugs or something a little more high-tech?

Michael: 06:55

Thankfully, maintenance is usually pretty simple.

Sarah: 06:57

Okay.

Michael: 06:58

Most models have self diagnostic tools

Sarah: 07:00

Okay.

Michael: 07:00

That can alert you to any potential issues.

Sarah: 07:03

Right.

Michael: 07:03

Cleaning the mowing deck regularly and replacing blades when needed

Sarah: 07:06

Okay.

Michael: 07:07

Are the most common tasks.

Sarah: 07:08

Mhmm.

Michael: 07:09

And some manufacturers even offer maintenance subscriptions for hassle free care.

Sarah: 07:14

Okay. So not quite as simple as just letting the robot do its thing.

Michael: 07:18

Right.

Sarah: 07:19

But still less demanding than a traditional gas mower.

Michael: 07:22

Absolutely.

Sarah: 07:23

One last practical consideration cost.

Michael: 07:25

Okay.

Sarah: 07:26

These things aren't exactly impulse buys, are they?

Michael: 07:29

That's another important factor away. Yeah. Autonomous mowers can be a significant investment. Yep. A high end model like the Mamotion lube AWD can set you back anywhere from 25100 to $4,000 Wow.

Michael: 07:42

Not including any additional accessories.

Sarah: 07:44

Wow. That's a definite commitment.

Michael: 07:46

It is.

Sarah: 07:46

It sounds like you really need to weigh the convenience and time savings against that initial cost.

Michael: 07:50

You do.

Sarah: 07:51

I imagine there are some cheaper options for folks with smaller yards, though.

Michael: 07:55

You're right. Right. As the technology becomes more mainstream, we're seeing more budget friendly models designed for smaller lawns hitting the market.

Sarah: 08:05

Okay.

Michael: 08:05

So don't give up hope if you don't have a sprawling estate to mow.

Sarah: 08:08

Okay. So the price range is pretty wide, but you get what you pay for in terms of features and capabilities.

Michael: 08:14

Exactly.

Sarah: 08:15

Now before we move on, there's one practical question I have to ask. What about security?

Michael: 08:20

Okay.

Sarah: 08:21

Are people stealing these expensive robot mowers?

Michael: 08:25

That's a valid concern. Yeah. But manufacturers have taken steps to address security.

Sarah: 08:30

Okay.

Michael: 08:30

Many models now have built in GPS tracking

Sarah: 08:33

Okay.

Michael: 08:34

Anti theft alarms Yeah. And even require a PI incoming for operation. Wow. So rest assured, your little lawn care buddy is well protected.

Sarah: 08:42

That's good to know. So we've covered the past, the present, and the exciting future of autonomous mowers.

Michael: 08:48

We

Sarah: 08:48

have. We've explored the practical pros and cons, the costs, and even addressed the security concerns.

Michael: 08:54

Yep.

Sarah: 08:54

But before we wrap things up, I wanna touch on the bigger picture implications of of this technology. I mean, robot mowers seem pretty cool on an individual level.

Michael: 09:02

Yeah.

Sarah: 09:03

But how might they impact society as a whole?

Michael: 09:06

That's a great point to raise. Yeah. We often get caught up in the excitement of new technology, but it's crucial to think about the broader societal and environmental impact.

Sarah: 09:16

Exactly. For instance, what happens to all those landscaping jobs if everyone starts using robot mowers? Are we looking at a future of mass robot unemployment?

Michael: 09:28

It's a valid concern. Automation in any industry Yeah. Often leads to worries about job displacement.

Sarah: 09:35

Yeah. For sure.

Michael: 09:36

But historically Right. While technology might eliminate some jobs Uh-huh. It also tends to create new ones.

Sarah: 09:43

Okay.

Michael: 09:43

Often in fields we can't even imagine yet.

Sarah: 09:46

So it's not necessarily a case of robots taking over, but rather humans and machines adapting and evolving together.

Michael: 09:52

Exactly. Okay. We might see a shift toward more specialized roles in lawn care.

Sarah: 09:57

Oh, okay.

Michael: 09:58

Experts who can program and maintain these autonomous mowers

Sarah: 10:01

Right.

Michael: 10:02

Or designers who can create aesthetically pleasing and functional robotic landscapes.

Sarah: 10:06

That makes sense. Okay. So maybe the robots aren't coming for all the jobs. Right. But what about the environmental side of things?

Sarah: 10:11

Okay.

Michael: 10:12

I

Sarah: 10:12

mean, we're talking about robots running on electricity. Right. Presumably drawing power from the grid?

Michael: 10:18

Uh-huh.

Sarah: 10:19

Doesn't that create more demand and potentially more pollution?

Michael: 10:22

That's where things get interesting.

Sarah: 10:24

Okay.

Michael: 10:24

While there's an energy cost associated with manufacturing and powering these mowers

Sarah: 10:29

Mhmm.

Michael: 10:30

You also have to consider what they're replacing

Sarah: 10:32

Okay.

Michael: 10:32

Gas powered mowers

Sarah: 10:34

Right.

Michael: 10:34

Which are notorious polluters.

Sarah: 10:36

Gas mowers are smelly and noisy, and I'm sure they're terrible for the environment.

Michael: 10:41

Exactly. Alright. They emit harmful pollutants Yeah. And contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

Sarah: 10:45

Right.

Michael: 10:46

Electric mowers, on the other hand Okay. Produce 0 emissions during operation.

Sarah: 10:50

Okay.

Michael: 10:51

And with advancements in renewable energy and battery technology

Sarah: 10:55

Mhmm.

Michael: 10:55

The overall environmental impact of owning and operating an autonomous mower

Sarah: 11:01

Right.

Michael: 11:01

Could be significantly lower than sticking with those gas guzzlers.

Sarah: 11:05

Okay. So there's a trade off, but it sounds like the potential environmental benefits are pretty significant.

Michael: 11:10

They are. Yeah. There's also the noise factor to consider.

Sarah: 11:13

Oh, yeah.

Michael: 11:14

Electric mowers are much quieter

Sarah: 11:16

That's true.

Michael: 11:17

Than their gas powered counterparts.

Sarah: 11:18

Yeah.

Michael: 11:19

Which could be a huge plus for you and your neighbors

Sarah: 11:21

For sure.

Michael: 11:22

Especially if you're an early morning lawn care enthusiast.

Sarah: 11:25

That is a definite bonus.

Michael: 11:27

Mhmm.

Sarah: 11:28

Peace and quiet and a perfectly manicured lawn. Sign me up.

Michael: 11:33

Right.

Sarah: 11:34

So it seems like there are a lot of potential upsides to this autonomous mower revolution.

Michael: 11:39

Uh-huh.

Sarah: 11:39

But it sounds like it's all about finding that balance between technological progress and responsible innovation. Right?

Michael: 11:46

Absolutely. Yeah. It's about harnessing the power of technology to improve our lives

Sarah: 11:52

Right.

Michael: 11:52

While being mindful of the potential consequences

Sarah: 11:54

For sure.

Michael: 11:55

And working to mitigate any negative impacts.

Sarah: 11:58

Well said. Food for thought for all of us as we navigate this ever evolving technological landscape. So to wrap things up Okay. What's the key takeaway for our listeners who have been patiently absorbing all of this robot mower wisdom? Is this technology something they should be embracing, or should we be approaching it with a bit of caution?

Sarah: 12:16

I think

Michael: 12:16

the main takeaway is that autonomous mowers represent a fascinating step forward in lawn care technology.

Sarah: 12:22

Okay.

Michael: 12:23

They offer convenience Yeah. Potential environmental benefits Right. And even a glimpse into a future where Roblox might handle more of our outdoor chores.

Sarah: 12:32

So they're not just a gimmick. Right. There's real potential here.

Michael: 12:35

Exactly. Yeah. But like with any new technology, it's important to weigh the pros and cons carefully.

Sarah: 12:41

Right.

Michael: 12:41

Consider your individual needs and circumstances Mhmm. And do your research before taking the plunge.

Sarah: 12:47

Great advice. Do your research, consider your needs, and then decide if a robot lawnmower is the right fit for your lifestyle and your lawn. And, hey, while you're mulling it over, let us know what you think about this fascinating tech. Hit us up on social media and share your thoughts or questions. We love hearing from you.

Michael: 13:04

Until next time. Happy mowing.

Sarah: 13:06

And that's a wrap on our deep dive into the world of autonomous mowers. We hope you've enjoyed the journey and learned something new along the way. Thanks for joining us, and we'll see you next time for another fascinating exploration.